On average, 20 typhoons hit the Philippines every year. In the past decade alone, the country has been hit by three super typhoons: Pablo (Bopha) in 2012, Yolanda (Haiyan) 2013, and Rolly (Goni) in 2020. Meanwhile, Ondoy (Ketsana) caused severe flooding in Metro Manila in 2009. Being the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines also experiences hundreds of “felt” earthquakes (thousands, if you count the minor ones) annually.

It’s a scary thought but it’s an inescapable fact: no one can stop natural disasters from happening. The only thing you can do is to prepare so that you can defend yourself and your loved ones. Here are some tips that will help you be ready for any emergency:

Have a “Go Bag” Ready

Having a “go bag” is probably the most important part of any disaster-preparedness plan. By packing all of your essentials in one bag, you can simply grab it and go when there’s a need to evacuate.

As much as possible, your go bag should be waterproof; if you can spare a small suitcase, much better. If you don’t have either, find a waterproof cover instead. You can also use a large plastic bag for last-minute wrapping. Of course, the bag itself isn’t as important as the contents. Make sure you have the following in your go bag:

• First aid kit with all the basic medicines such as painkillers, antihistamines, and fever reducers. Having antiseptic wipes, antibiotic cream, and gauze is also important for treating wounds. If anyone takes maintenance medication, pack at least a month’s worth of them in your first aid kit.
• Hygiene kit, with sanitary napkins, baby and/or adult diapers, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and plenty of wet wipes.
• One gallon of water per family member per day.
• Canned goods and other easy-open, no-cook foods.
• Battery-powered flashlights and radio, with extra batteries.
• A whistle or any signaling device.
• Face masks or dust masks.
• Trash bags.
• Extra cash.

And about devices, make sure that you have a couple of charged-up power banks so that you can still use your phones or tablets for communication. A solar charger will also come in handy.

Know Where to Get Extra Money

No one and nothing is immune to the effects of a disaster. This includes banks, which may sometimes close or have issues in the transfer of cash during calamities. As such, you need to have a back-up plan when it comes to procuring additional funds for your expenses.

One option you have would be cash loans. Philippines’s digital lenders and fintech companies have made it easier than ever to apply, with fewer requirements and faster approval times. Depending on the circumstances, you can receive the cash in 1 to 3 working days.

Secure Your Documents

Your priority during disasters should be, obviously, saving yourself and your loved ones. Nevertheless, it would still do a lot of good if you can secure important documents so they won’t get damaged or lost. As a bonus, you’ll be saving yourself from a lot of hassle, because you don’t need to re-apply for such documents.

Some of the most crucial ones you need to secure include:

• IDs, especially passports, voter’s IDs, driver’s licenses, and professional licenses
• Birth certificates
• Adoption certificates, if applicable
• Marriage certificates
• Immunization records
• Property titles or rental contracts

If you can store these in an airtight safe, good. If not, even a resealable plastic bag would be better than nothing. The idea is to keep important IDs and files protected.

Think About Unique Needs

Make sure to account for unique needs in your emergency or disaster preparations. As mentioned, maintenance medications are a must because you likely won’t be able to access these at an evacuation center.

For young children, try to include a few easy-to-pack toys or activities such as small coloring books. The elderly and differently abled people also have unique needs, such as wheelchairs or hearing aids. If you have pets, bring them with you if you can and make sure they also have needed supplies.

The bottom line is that you should think about your entire household. Not everyone has the same physical capabilities, so you have to make allowances where you can.

Develop a Communications Plan

Having a communications plan that’s specifically designed for emergency situations can help prevent any panic. A crucial part of this communications plan is having a list of hotlines, particularly medical services and rescue operations. There should also be at least one primary emergency contact, as well as a hierarchy in case this individual is unreachable (e.g., they’re also in trouble). Perhaps most importantly, there should be someone outside the family to serve as a “check in” person.

In case you get separated, there should also be a designated congregation point. The best answer here is the nearest evacuation center, but you should also have other options in case the area is inaccessible.

 

As the saying goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry. You may not experience a severe disaster in your life, but it’s still better to be prepared for any eventuality.